Gynecology And Obstetrics-

Changes in nipples during pregnancy

introduction

During pregnancy, numerous processes of change and adaptation take place in the woman's body.
The typical symptoms, which are described by a great number of pregnant women, are summarized as signs of pregnancy, which, however, can vary in severity and duration from woman to woman. Especially around the breast and nipple (Mamille) the hormonal changes are clearly noticeable in many pregnant women.

Changes in the breast and nipple during pregnancy

The female body presents itself at the beginning of pregnancy hormonal completely around. Many women notice an unusual one in themselves Increase in sensitivity her breasts and nipples as well as feelings of tension, often even before her missed period or the positive test result a pregnancy test.
Pregnancy is almost always associated with tender breasts, but not every breast tenderness necessarily indicates pregnancy. In some cases, however, this feeling can also be monthly cycle due and only occur in a short period of time in the cycle.
In principle, exactly the same signs appear at the beginning of a pregnancy as are known to a woman from her period, only in much stronger execution. However, if the nipple's sensitivity should persist for a long time, it is Indication of a possible pregnancy.

Due to the increase in Pregnancy hormones (e.g. beta-HCG) and estrogen (female sex hormone) and progesterone, breast growth occurs due to an increase in the Mammary gland tissue. Also takes the Blood flow to the Blood vessels that supply the breast become noticeably too large, so many women notice enlarged red vessels on their breasts.

It works for the skin Volume increase process often wears off too quickly, which can lead to stretch marks and tears in the nipple. The areola that surrounds the nipple also changes: it becomes darker and larger in early pregnancy. Of the the exact reason for the increased staining has not yet been proven. It is believed, however, that it helps the infant to better orient himself when breastfeeding. The nipple itself will also get bigger and darker. In addition, the Fat production the atrial glands (so-called Montgomery glands) surrounding the nipple. So this is optimal protected from dehydration and possible tears due to increased stretching due to the mammary gland growth are prevented. The body thus optimally prepares the nipple for the stresses and strains of breastfeeding that arise after birth.

Read more about the topic here Breast Changes During Pregnancy

root cause

With the onset of pregnancy, the body pours next to that Pregnancy hormone beta-HCG large amounts of estrogen and progesterone to prepare for the upcoming pregnancy. Through the Hormonal surge there is increased growth processes in the breast as well as Formation of more mammary glandsto get sufficient Infant feeding after the birth by breastfeeding. These changes in breast tissue also affect the nipple.

Symptoms

Like the rest of the woman's body, the female breast changes during pregnancy and this can lead to problems.

itch

Many pregnant women complain of itching around the nipples during pregnancy. Often times this is through Textiles with a high percentage of polyacrylics triggered, which is why it is advisable to wear only 100% cotton fabrics on the skin. Also, some women find it comfortable to have one use a supportive brawhich can minimize the friction of a loose fitting t-shirt on the nipple.
Other women, however, prefer as much air as possible to their nipples during pregnancy. In that case you should omit any shape of a bustier and sometimes even move around at home without a top. Another tip for an itchy nipple is one balanced care. From now on, shower gels and creams with fragrances should no longer be used and should be replaced by skin-friendly, fragrance-free products. Baby care products that have already been designed for sensitive skin are particularly recommended here. For some women, cautious, short ones also alleviate Cool the complaints.

Breast growth

The Growth of the nipples being in pregnancy is essential for one successful Breastfeeding after giving birth. As the breasts grow (caused by the rise the hormones estrogen and progesterone), will do both that Mammary gland tissueand the nipple itself is significantly larger. In this way it is for the infant Much easier to find after birth. It is also important for the release of the so-called cuddle hormone oxytocin: if the newborn touches the nipple, it hardens and the secretion of milk is stimulated.

Please also read our topic on this Pregnancy breast growth.

Chest pain

Basically, the Breast or nipples around a body partwhich very well supplied with nerves is (very sensitive), which is why it is not uncommon in this area Pain can come.
By the Unusually rapid growth of the breasts and nipples pain is common, especially at the beginning of pregnancy. The mammary gland tissue is increasing in size day by day as many are new Mammary glands and ducts are formed become. Sometimes that happens Growth so rapidthat the skin around the chest is not growing back quickly enough that Stretch marks can arise.
If it's too Elongations and tensions If it comes to the breast area, the nipple in the center of the breast is also often affected. Small cracks and injuries can occur, which can cause pain for the women affected. This wound allows germs or bacteria to enter the chest and in some cases even an inflammation of the mammary gland (a so-called mastitis) with symptoms such as tiredness, ExhaustionCause fever and swelling of the lymph nodes.
To relieve nipple pain, one can nourishing, natural creams apply, such as Marigold ointment, Ointment containing aloe vera or Arnica ointment. If the chest pain becomes unbearable or no improvement is noticeable even after months, it is advisable to consult a doctor to rule out inflammation.

Burning sensation on the nipples

Some women also describe a burning sensation on their nipples during pregnancy.
This usually has the same cause as pain: the excessive growth of the mammary gland tissue.

More about this topic can be found: Breast growth during pregnancy and a burning sensation on the nipple

However, a burning sensation can also occur when foreign matter enters an open wound, e.g. in small cracks in the area of the nipples.

In this case, slightly greasy wound and healing ointments should be applied, which protect the wound from the re-entry of germs. Many women with burning nipples also use cooling compresses (e.g. Quark wrap) as very pleasant.

therapy

A standardized, effective in all women, therapy There is no such thing as an uncomfortable nipple during pregnancy. Every woman feels it Change processesthat take place in their bodies are different. For some, it is enough to know that other pregnant women feel the same way and that the most of the symptoms disappear after just three months.
Others, on the other hand, should develop a concept for themselves as to how to make their body's adjustment process for a baby as bearable as possible. Cooling compresses, nourishing creams as well as avoiding synthetic textile mixtures directly on the skin show a clear relief of the symptoms in many women. However, if the symptoms become unbearable, it is advisable to seek professional advice and see your gynecologist or midwife.

Frequency distribution

The typical Pregnancy signs join almost every pregnant woman on. In particular, changes in the breast area in the form of a Increase in size and one Feeling of tension are described very often. In most cases these typical "Breast mark“After about three months, when the body has adjusted to the pregnancy without the need for treatment.

Inverted and inverted nipples

Some women have so-called Inverted or inverted nipples on, which means that the Nipple turned inside present.
But even with this special feature, women can easily have a child and feed it through breastfeeding after the birth.
There are only small support measures (in the last trimester of pregnancy): The pregnant woman should grab her nipple with her fingers twice a day and gently stimulate it. Erect nipples usually bulge outward on their own and are so easy for the infant to find. Another possibility are the so-called Breast shields (available in the pharmacy). These will Worn for about 20 minutes per day and build up a slight negative pressure on the nipples. Especially during breastfeeding, they help the mother to keep her nipples for the baby "to prepare". However, if a pregnant woman is prone to premature labor, breast shields are not suitable. By stimulating the nipple, the formation of oxytocin (cuddle hormone, which the Milk secretion and the Labor on the delivery date), which can trigger premature labor and in the worst cases lead to premature birth.

maintenance

To maintenance There are numerous of the sensitive nipples of a pregnant woman Tips and home remedies. But what should not be underestimated is that independent oil secretion the Montgomery glands that surround the areola. As early as the beginning of pregnancy, these start to work and produce protective oils that give the nipple the necessary care. Basically, this should be enough to take care of the nipples during pregnancy.
However, kick severe discomfort that require additional treatment should only fragrance-free, natural products be used.